Fighting. That's the only thing I know.
Fighting for acknowledgment, for respect, for attention and the most important thing–fighting for a reason.
My reason was given to me the day I was born, exactly eighteen years ago today. I hadn't had the power to decide over my own fate back then, of course, so there was no way my future would've turned out differently. My parents have chosen my fate for me instead. I don't know it any other way, so it's normal to me. I have never complained about anything, because I didn't even know I had the chance to complain. I've never given anything in my life a second thought – I just did whatever was asked of me.
Like I said, it was natural to me.
So natural, that today – the day of the reaping – I shout the two words everyone expects of me.
"I volunteer!"
There is no hint of fear or other shit like that in my voice.
The lady from the capitol on the stage manages a cold smile and waves for me to come to her. I make my way through the cheering crowd and up the stairs. My steps are firm, my hands balled into fists beside my body. I come to a stop next to the green-haired woman and ignore the rest of her speech. My stare goes straight ahead, fixated on nothing in particular but I'm still aware of all my surroundings. That's the number one rule when you're a career.
I react again when I hear my name and shake hands with the female tribute of our District. Apparently her name is Clove. Her grip is strong even though she looks kinda innocent with her tiny frame and the dark hair. We both nod once in acknowledgement and then the Peacekeepers bring us into the town hall behind us.
From now on my real fight starts. Years and years of training lie behind me only for this, right now, to happen. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
I need to focus on one thing, my reason – win the Hunger Games, come home as a victor. No matter what it takes, no matter how many tributes I need to kill.
A/N: Hey people! This is my first Hunger Games/Peeto fanfiction. I hope you like it. Let me know via reviews what you think, please! :)